Telecommunicator (911 Dispatcher)

Portland, ME
Portland Police Department

Salary: $22.17/hour.

Position Summary:

This is specialized work that involves dispatching emergency services in response to calls for service in the Portland Regional Communications Center. Work involves operating radio communications equipment and performing related clerical communications tasks. Work requires fast, efficient and accurate receiving, dispatching and processing of calls, alarms and messages from and to Emergency Medical Service units, Fire units and Police units. This position involves working in a team environment, providing customer service as it relates to emergency communications for multiple jurisdictions.

Essential Functions:

  • Answers 911 emergency calls and non-emergency calls as required.
  • Dispatches police units and fire and emergency medical units to emergency and non-emergency calls; maintains computer aided dispatch (CAD) log, recordings and status control devices.
  • Broadcasts all police and fire related communications and relays information to other emergency service agencies; relays assistance requests from emergency crews in other departments.
  • Provides pre-arrival emergency medical instructions upon receiving EMD certification and licensing.
  • Initiates and maintains direct contact with emergency units at stations or in the field.
  • Monitors local Maine wanted and missing NCIC computer functions and performs data entry.
  • Participates in departmental training efforts as directed.
  • Performs related work as required.

Requirements:

  • Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays and weekends.
  • Terminal Operator Certification.
  • Training and certification for State Mandated 9-1-1 system.
  • Must obtain and maintain certifications and/or licenses, for any dispatch protocols implemented by the Portland Regional Communications Center and/or the State of Maine.
  • Ability to work occasional shifts up to 18 hours
  • Minimum typing speed of 30 net words per minute
  • Successfully complete job assessment testing.
  • Acceptable polygraph examination.
  • Acceptable in-depth background and credit check.
  • Acceptable background check through State Bureau of Identification and Federal Bureau of
  • Identification (International Identification Index).
  • Acceptable fingerprint submission through State Bureau of Investigation for employees hired on or after January 1, 1992.